At the OSUCCC – James, our breast cancer sub-specialists are world-renowned cancer experts who focus solely on breast cancer and who reach across medical disciplines (medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists, reconstructive surgeons, pathologists and more) to design the very best treatment plan and therapies to target each patient’s specific breast cancer.

And by offering access to the country’s most advanced clinical trials right here at the OSUCCC – James, patients know that additional options, when needed, are always available for their treatment and care.

What is Breast Cancer?

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and although it’s the second most diagnosed cancer in women behind skin cancer (more than 230,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed every year), the five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent for breast cancers detected early thanks to enhanced screening and prevention methods as well as new, individualized and targeted therapies like those discovered at the OSUCCC – James.

Although breast cancer is diagnosed more often in older women, it does occur in younger women and in men (men, however, account for less than one percent of all breast cancers). About 75 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses are in women age 50 and older.

The risk of developing breast cancer also increases with age. While a family history of breast cancer may increase the risk, it’s important to note that only 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers are the result of inherited genetic factors.

Breast cancers can be found on a mammogram or by a physical examination by either the patient or the doctor. Not all breast cancers are detected by self-exam or mammogram, but regular screenings greatly increase the chances of early detection, successful treatment and cure.

Kinds of Breast Cancer

Breast tumors are most often classified as invasive (has a tendency to spread) or noninvasive:

Noninvasive

Noninvasive breast cancer or carcinoma in situ begins and remains in the cells where it began. Noninvasive breast cancer can be confined to the milk ducts, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or in the lobules, the milk-producing glands of the breast, called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

Invasive

Invasive breast cancer has grown beyond the cells where it began either deeper in to the breast tissue or to other organs. The majority of breast cancers are invasive. Invasive breast cancer can be invasive ductal carcinoma or invasive lobular carcinoma.

Less Prevalent Types of Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

A rare and aggressive disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.

Triple-negative Breast Cancer

A sub-type of invasive ductal carcinoma, and it is diagnosed based upon the lack of three cell receptors: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Those three receptors are known growth factors in most other breast cancers, which helps experts design targeted treatments in those cases. With triple-negative breast cancer, however, the exact cause for tumor growth and spread in this quickly progressing disease is unknown. Chemotherapy and drug combinations designed to target this particular sub-type lead to the most successful treatment, and research experts continue to study the disease.

The OSUCCC – James research scientists are breaking scientific ground with several new studies on triple-negative breast cancer, offering new hope for even more targeted treatments and novel therapies.

Paget Disease of the Nipple

A rare kind of tumor that begins in the ducts, spreads to the nipple and then spreads to the areola (the dark circle around the nipple).

Phyllodes Tumor

A very rare breast tumor that begins in the connective tissue of the breast.

Recurrent Breast Cancer

Cancer that returns (or recurs) after it has been treated. The cancer may come back in the breast or in other parts of the body. Even if the new tumor is located in a different location, it is still called breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms vary from person to person, so it’s important to be familiar with your breasts so you know what “normal” feels and looks like for you. If you notice any changes in your breasts, tell your doctor.

Breast cancer symptoms may include:

A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit

Changes in size, shape, skin texture or color of the breast

Skin redness

Dimpling or puckering

Fluid, other than breast milk, from the nipple, especially if it's bloody

Scaly, red or swollen skin on the breast, nipple or areola (the dark area of skin that is around the nipple)

Nipple pulling to one side or a change in direction

These symptoms do not always mean you have breast cancer. It is important, however, to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, because they can also indicate other health problems.

Many breast cancers are found by mammograms before any symptoms even appear, and early detection is important to improved outcomes and successful treatment. Just as there is no routine breast cancer, there is also no such thing as a routine mammogram. The expertise of the radiologist is paramount to detecting cancer as early as possible.

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, would like a second opinion, to speak with a breast cancer specialist or schedule a mammogram, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.

Breast Cancer News

Seven groups of cancer researchers have received a funding boost to investigate innovative scientific ideas thanks to funds generated through Pelotonia, a grassroots cycling movement established in 2009 to raise money for cancer research at Ohio State.... Read More

Seven groups of cancer researchers have received a funding boost to investigate innovative scientific ideas thanks to funds generated through Pelotonia, a grassroots cycling movement established in 2009...

Nanoparticles packed with a clinically used chemotherapy drug and coated with an oligosaccharide derived from the carapace of crustaceans might effectively target and kill cancer stem-like cells, according to a recent study led by researchers at OSUCCC - James.... Read More

Nanoparticles packed with a clinically used chemotherapy drug and coated with an oligosaccharide derived from the carapace of crustaceans might effectively target and kill cancer stem-like cells...

To meet the needs of patients who are smokers at the time of a cancer diagnosis, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published smoking cessation guidelines. Ohio State's Peter Shields, MD, served as chair of the 26-member national committee responsible for developing this practice setting guideline.... Read More

To meet the needs of patients who are smokers at the time of a cancer diagnosis, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published smoking cessation guidelines. Ohio State's Peter Shields, MD...